Discussion

Help with Dinner/Drinks/Dancing in Atlanta

I'm based in LA and will be traveling to Atlanta for my friend's wedding the last week of March. We are having her bachelorette party on a Thursday night before the Saturday wedding. The bride is in her mid 40's and all of the ladies are in their late 30's and 40's so we are not clubbers or hipsters, but we like to have a fun time. And unfortunately, none of us are from Atlanta! So we need some help. We are staying in Norcross, but we can get a car service or a few of us can drive, but not up for an hour commute somewhere.

We'd love some great restaurant suggestions for a group of about 10. The bride loves Mexican (Tex-Mex), Italian or just really good food, but not brank the bank price would be great. And we'd love to find a fun bar or lounge that has 80's, 90's, current music where you may possibly dance, but not a club.

I feel like Italian and Tex Mex are two areas where Atlanta is pretty weak. Others will weigh in (and surely someone will say Nuevo Laredo) but I have lived in TX and I just won't eat Tex Mex here at all.

If she likes good food you could easily get to Decatur and hit Cakes and Ale or Watershed and then if the timing works, Eddie's Attic is nearby and they have terrific live music.

If you can get to Buckhead then (on the more North side of B-head) - BluePointe is mainly Asian fusion-ish and has a fun vibe, IMO. Same thing with Kyma which is terrific Greek food and unique wines.

Virginia-Highlands (neighborhood / retail area) is another option. There are a lot of bars in the area and you guys could kind of wander. The whole area has a great vibe. Again, if Asian is in the mix then Nam at 10th and Monroe is terrific and close to the Highlands.

I fall into that age range and sadly, know of no clubs to mention! Cafe Intermezzo in Buckhead would be a fun after dinner spot to hit for wine and / or desserts.

What, no Swinging Richards? I think the rule is that you can't obviously be a bachelorette party and get in. At least that's what my wife tells me.

Decatur or Va Hi would give you options in walking distance. Not sure about dancing in Decatur though (maybe they have an ordinance, or they're just too laid back for that).

The best food plus club place I've been to lately was Sound Table. We generally don't do the dancing b/c Chowpup babysitter restricts lateness (that and being old). It wasn't cheap, but the food was great.

Hi, I'd second going to Virginia-Highlands, as you can park and then restaurant/bar hop all night. Eat at Noche or Pozole for Mex, or La Tavola or Osteria or Murphy's, then hit the pubs. Limerick Junction (usually has a sing-along), Dark Horse Tavern, Blind Willy's, Atkin's Park, Highland Tap, Hand in Hand. There isn't dancing at any of these, but would give you a wide variety of fun. Only Blind Willy's has a cover, as they have live blues/jazz. If you don't like the scene at one, then just walk to the next.

I think you're probably looking for a night more about having fun with your girlfriends than anything else, and you don't necessarily need to drive into the city. I would advise against Virginia Highlands mainly because it's a pretty big singles scene for 20-30 somethings, and it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking for. I don't know Norcross well, but maybe a bit closer (depending on exactly where you are) is Eclipse di Luna tapas bar across from perimeter mall. They have pretty decent tapas to share which is cheap depending on how much you eat. With a few pitchers of sangria, you will be good to dance right there to live music. If it's warm enough, there's a patio too. This might be a good one-stop idea, instead of hopping from place to place, especially if you have to drive yourselves. Just another alternative to consider.

Last week of March is pretty much upon us, but if you're still looking for a place to dance/drink then about the only place that fits your demographic is Johnny's Hideaway. They do serve food but it's bar food. I'd eat elsewhere. You can (and should) call to book a table.